More than 60 years later, Charles Lake gets a Bronze Star for Korean War service

Ogdensburg resident Charles E. Lakes eyes were just beginning to glisten Thursday as he stood at the podium at City Hall.

Mr. Lake, 81, of 1022 Congress St., had just received the Bronze Star for meritorious service for his U.S. Army duties in the Korean War in 1950.

The medal, presented to Mr. Lake by U.S. Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, in a City Council chamber packed at midday with friends and family, came more than 62 years late because of lost service records and bureaucratic delays.

But the U.S. governments tardiness didnt seem to matter.

It makes me excited, Mr. Lake said. Im happy to be here.

Mr. Owens, who was called on two years ago to help dismantle the bureaucratic boondoggle that Mr. Lake was encountering, thanked the veteran for his service to his country.